Federal Judges: 6th District Unconstitutionally Gerrymandered

A three judge panel has struck down as unconstitutional the lines that were drawn to encompass Maryland's 6th Congressional District.

The ruling does not affect Tuesday's election, in which David Trone defeated Amie Hoeber.

Several Republican voters filed a legal challenge to the district lines, saying they were gerrymandered…or drawn to benefit the Democratic Party's nominee.

Maryland Governor Larry Hogan today issued the following statement regarding the U.S. District Court ruling in the case of Benisek v. Lamone:

“This is a victory for the vast majority of Marylanders who want free and fair elections and the numerous advocates from across the political spectrum who have been fighting partisan gerrymandering in our state for decades. With this unanimous ruling, the federal court is confirming what we in Maryland have known for a long time – that we have the most gerrymandered districts in the country, they were drawn this way for partisan reasons, and they violate Marylanders’ constitutional rights.

“We remain steadfastly committed to moving forward in an open and transparent manner that is free of the partisan influence that has dominated the redistricting process in Maryland for far too long. It’s past time for Marylanders to choose their representatives instead of politicians choosing their constituents, and today’s ruling is a major step in that direction.”

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